These bold individuals represent more than 140 countries and their vast array of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields bring us to the far reaches of the globe.
The Science & Innovation team oversees the Society’s funding efforts in research, conservation and technology, develops and manages major mission programs, and establishes programmatic partnerships with like-minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Our Ocean focus area work aims to explore, understand, and conserve marine and coastal systems. Across topics like oceanography, marine/coastal ecology, ocean climate science, marine/coastal biogeochemistry, ocean exploration technology, community-based conservation, and related fields — our goal is to inspire and empower people across the globe to better understand and protect the world’s ocean.
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Ocean, the Senior Specialist’s primary responsibility is evaluating and recommending research and conservation grants in the Ocean focus area, and providing high-quality customer service to grantees—our National Geographic Explorers.
The Senior Specialist should have a proactive and collaborative mindset, with a strong sense of accountability and follow-through. Through their work, the Senior Specialist will build on the Society’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by engaging with underrepresented groups in the sciences. Competitive applicants will have experience in conservation and/or scientific research, and experience working with local communities and stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Strategy and Program Development (15%)
- Support the Senior Manager, Ocean in the strategic development and adaptive management of the focus area’s scientific portfolio.
- Understand relevant field(s), stay networked and informed on emerging trends, and scan for gaps and opportunities in the focus area’s portfolio.
Program Management (60%)
- Under supervision, manage scientific aspects of grants including development, recruitment, proposal review, and coordination of internal and external expert review.
- Develop and maintain strong, positive and empathetic relationships with prospective and active Explorers. Act as primary contact for Explorers leading grants, and serve as an internal subject matter expert on these projects, including understanding the context in which they occur.
- Communicate with Explorers to stay apprised of new discoveries, high profile academic publications, and/or media-friendly results that should be elevated. Represent Explorers’ achievements and needs to a variety of internal and external stakeholders with non-science backgrounds to leverage opportunities within National Geographic to share results and stories with broader audiences.
Team, Divisional, and Organizational Collaboration (25%)
- Develop and maintain strong positive and empathetic working relationships with other NGS divisions and external teams to maximize impact and reach.
- Represent Science & Innovation at meetings with other NGS divisions, NG Partners divisions, strategic partners, and other outside funders/entities. Draw on expertise to provide scientific context to interested media units.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ocean science, or related fields required.
Minimum Years and Type of Experience
4+ years of relevant experience in ocean science, ocean conservation, or related fields. Experience working with local communities and stakeholders is preferred.
Necessary Knowledge and Skills
- Understanding of the scientific method and peer-reviewed literature with experience in marine conservation and/or scientific research.
- Ability to work with individuals and groups at all levels.
- Ability to work on multiple projects, under deadlines, with changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Desired Qualifications
- Technical proficiency with online tools and databases (e.g. Salesforce, G-Suite tools)
- Ability to compile information from disparate sources (literature review, interviews and conversations, first-hand accounts, etc.) and produce condensed, topline messaging and/or recommendations.
- Experience speaking in front of small and large audiences and putting together reports for many different types of audiences.
Supervision: No direct reports
Work Schedule: Full-time
Job Designation
Hybrid – This position has been designated Hybrid, meaning your position will be performed from NGS Base Camp three fixed days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) and can be performed remotely for two fixed days a week (Monday and Friday).
We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.
